Cape Breton Regional Police say a woman is facing charges and a man is in custody after a 48-year-old homeless man was severely beaten in North Sydney.
Police were called to the parking lot of the Atlantic Superstore on King Street late Monday.
Investigators say the man was attacked in a wooded area behind the store. He then stumbled down a hill, leaving a trail of blood behind him, and made his way through the parking lot before collapsing on a bench.
Employees found the man and called 911.
“He was very badly injured. He was incoherent,” says Staff Sgt. Paul Muise. “There was some conversation but again, he was seriously hurt.”
The man was taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with serious head injuries. He was later transported to a Halifax hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
Officers arrested a 22-year-old Boularderie woman on Wednesday. Jennifer MacLeod faces charges of aggravated assault, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence, and breach. She appeared in Sydney provincial court on Thursday.
A second suspect, a 25-year-old Sydney Mines man, is in custody and further charges are pending.
Police say the victim is originally from the Truro area and often camps behind the store during the summer months with his dog. His pet is being cared for by the SPCA in Sydney.
